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Rolls-Royce Showcases Its Most Complex Woodwork for Phantom’s 100th Anniversary

To mark the 100th anniversary of the legendary Phantom, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled what it proudly calls the most intricate woodwork ever created in its history. This exclusive Private Collection of just 25 cars showcases an extraordinary level of craftsmanship, debuting three techniques never before used by the marque — 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and 24-carat gold leafing. Each car represents a century of design evolution and artistry, merging tradition with innovation in a way only Rolls-Royce can.

The centenary of the Phantom is more than just a milestone; it is a celebration of how the car has defined luxury motoring across generations. For this occasion, the marque’s designers, engineers, and artisans pushed their creative and technical limits, blending hand-drawn sketches, digital design, and cutting-edge production methods. The result is a collection of interior artworks inspired by journeys, landscapes, and the moments that have shaped the Phantom’s enduring legacy.

The standout feature of this collection is the interior door panels, which Rolls-Royce describes as the most complex ever crafted in its history. Each door took an entire year to complete, with every surface narrating a part of the Phantom’s story. The design combines geographical maps, floral motifs, and visual nods to historic Phantom models, all expressed through Blackwood veneer. This material was selected for its rich depth and distinctive grain, offering a dynamic visual texture that shifts subtly under different lighting conditions.

The process required the use of some of the largest veneer sheets ever produced for a Rolls-Royce. These were cut and pieced together like an elaborate mosaic, with each section positioned to ensure the wood grain interacts with light in a specific way. The result is an ever-changing surface that reveals new details from different angles. Even the speaker grilles were integrated directly into the veneer through precision milling, creating an uninterrupted, seamless aesthetic that elevates the cabin’s sense of calm and refinement.

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Proton e.MAS 5: Bookings Open Now! Estimated Price RM60k–RM80k

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a wholly owned subsidiary of Proton, has officially opened bookings for the all-new Proton e.MAS 5, Malaysia’s most affordable electric vehicle. The announcement followed a high-profile livestream held on 4 October 2025, which successfully introduced the compact EV to thousands of Malaysian viewers.

The two-and-a-half-hour livestream, hosted by Boss James and Norreen Iman, featured live demonstrations, expert discussions, and an in-depth look at the new model. Proton representatives including PRO-NET Chief Executive Officer Zhang Qiang and Chief Brand Officer Pn. Salawati Mohd Yusoff joined the session to share insights about the e.MAS 5 and the brand’s growing role in Malaysia’s electric mobility landscape.

Over 572,725 Malaysians tuned in across Proton e.MAS’ official social media platforms and those of participating influencers, tech reviewers, and automotive experts. The event generated strong engagement and immediate interest from potential buyers, many of whom were eager to learn more about the EV’s pricing, features, and booking process.

The biggest reveal of the night was the e.MAS 5’s estimated price tag — RM60,000 – RM80,000 — positioning it as the most affordable fully electric vehicle in Malaysia. The compact SUV aims to make EV ownership more accessible to a wider range of Malaysians, offering a combination of smart design, practicality, and sustainability.

For those ready to make the switch, bookings can now be made for just RM99. First 5,000 customers will also receive a limited-edition Proton e.MAS Touch ‘n Go NFC card preloaded with RM1o0, along with an additional RM500 rebate on the booking fee.

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Review: Jaecoo J8 AWD Redefines Premium Cars

Chinese cars are many things but if there is one thing they deserve credit for is bringing technology to the masses.

There used to be a time when certain features were reserved only for the upper segment cars. You could never find suede trimming, massage seats or even captain seats in any car below RM200,000.

But the Chinese have completely changed that, specifically Jaecoo.

Jaecoo has only been in Malaysia for a little over a year, but it has already made an impact that other car makers have struggled to match despite their years of being in the market.

The first model launched in Malaysia was the J7, and it was an immediate success thanks to its design, interior trimming and advanced technologies. But more than anything else, it was a success because of its price.

Suddenly, Malaysians realised that they could have more for less. Much to the horror of legacy car makers who were getting too comfortable for too long.

But Jaecoo is not a company that sits comfortably, it is on a roll and has introduced more models such as the J8. (more…)

Proton Records Strong September Sales, X50 Leads as Best-Selling SUV

Proton has carried its momentum from August into September, once again posting strong results despite a weaker market. The national carmaker delivered 13,395 units (domestic and export) last month, lifting its third-quarter total to 42,141 units. Year-to-date sales now stand at 114,297 units, a 0.9% improvement over the same period in 2024.

What makes the achievement stand out is the wider industry backdrop. The Total Industry Volume (TIV) dropped by nearly 21.7% in September to an estimated 57,169 units, just one month after reaching its 2025 peak. Against that, Proton’s market share rose to 23.4% for the month and 19.9% year-to-date — the brand’s highest figure this year as it continues to push towards a 20% target for 2025.

The Proton X50 remains the company’s star performer, cementing its place as the nation’s best-selling SUV. In September, 3,438 units were delivered, marking its second full month on sale and placing it at the top of its segment as well as the overall SUV market.

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Chery TIGGO 8 PHEV Launched in Malaysia for RM159,800

Chery has officially introduced the TIGGO 8 PHEV to Malaysia, joining the brand’s growing electrified line-up and positioning itself as a larger, more premium option for families looking to embrace plug-in hybrid technology. Like the smaller TIGGO 7 PHEV, the new model sits on Chery’s Super Hybrid platform but adds more space, more tech, and a greater focus on refinement.

Power comes from the same 1.5-litre ACTECO TGDi hybrid engine paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Together, the system pushes out up to 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque, while offering up to 90 kilometres of pure EV range and as much as 1,200 kilometres of combined driving range.

The hybrid powertrain operates at 98% mechanical efficiency, ensuring strong responsiveness and greater fuel savings, particularly useful for long-haul drives.

Charging times are identical to the TIGGO 7 PHEV, with DC fast charging topping up the battery from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes.

AC charging takes about three hours, while a household charger will bring it to full capacity overnight. V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) support adds further practicality, allowing the SUV to power devices externally at 3.3 kW — making it a versatile tool for family trips or outdoor activities.

The Guardian Battery Safety System is also standard, protecting the battery in emergencies with features like high-voltage cut-off, IP68 waterproofing, extreme temperature resistance, and the ability to wade through water up to 500mm.

Chery has also packed in its ADAS 2.0 driver assistance suite, which offers advanced features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

Design-wise, the TIGGO 8 PHEV aims to deliver a more premium appearance compared to its sibling. Its front grille is paired with an illuminated logo, giving it a distinctive road presence, while the exterior features redesigned bumpers, 19 inch Diamond cut alloy rims, LED lighting, and refined detailing.

Inside, the cabin is headlined by a 15.6-inch infotainment display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, complemented by premium comfort features such as ventilated sport leather seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting with 64 colours, an immersive 10 speaker Sony sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The TIGGO 8 PHEV is offered in Aurora Green, Khaki White, and Carbon Black. Like the TIGGO 7, it comes with a seven-year warranty (150,000 km), along with eight years or 160,000 km of coverage for the battery, power motor, and hybrid control unit.

The same one-to-one battery exchange guarantee applies if health drops below 70% within the period, and buyers also enjoy five years of free labour service. The Tiggo 8 PHEV is priced at RM159,800.

Chery TIGGO 7 PHEV Launched in Malaysia – RM129,800

Chery Malaysia has rolled out the TIGGO 7 PHEV, one of two new plug-in hybrids making their debut in the country, built on the brand’s advanced Chery Super Hybrid platform.

Positioned as a stylish yet practical SUV, the TIGGO 7 PHEV blends sharp design cues with impressive performance and technology, giving Malaysian buyers another option in the fast-growing electrified SUV market.

Visually, the TIGGO 7 PHEV gets a diamond-embedded front grille and a refreshed bumper design, paired with LED headlights and sportier 18 inch wheels.

Inside, it boasts a 24.6-inch integrated dual-screen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto , ventilated sport leather seats, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and premium finishes that elevate the cabin’s feel.

Under the skin, the SUV carries Chery’s 1.5-litre ACTECO TGDi hybrid engine, paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Together, this setup produces up to 275PS and 365Nm of torque.

It can travel up to 90km on pure electric power and cover a combined driving range of up to 1,200km, making it a capable long-distance companion. The system is designed with 98% mechanical efficiency, which translates to smoother acceleration and better fuel economy.

Charging is straightforward: DC fast charging gets the battery from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes, while AC charging takes around three hours. An overnight top-up with a household charger takes about 8.5 hours. For added practicality, the SUV supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), enabling external devices to be powered directly from the car at 3.3 kW — perfect for road trips or camping.

Safety has been prioritised through Chery’s Guardian Battery Safety System, which includes high-voltage cut-off in emergencies, IP68-rated waterproof and dustproof protection, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The battery system is also resilient enough to handle Malaysia’s flood-prone conditions, with a water wading depth of 500mm. In addition, the SUV comes fitted with a full ADAS 2.0 suite offering adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking.

Available in Phantom Grey, Khaki White, and Blood Stone Red with a Black Roof, the TIGGO 7 PHEV comes with a seven-year warranty (150,000 km) alongside eight years or 160,000 km of coverage for the battery, motor, and hybrid control unit.

Buyers also get a one-to-one battery exchange if health drops below 70% within the warranty period, plus five years of free labour service. The Tiggo 7 PHEV is priced at RM129,800. The Blood Stone Red paint option adds RM2,000 to the bill.